Subscription Lists
Refreshment in Refuge
by Gina Burgess
The pendulum has swung so far back the other way since I was a teenager. When I grew up the feminism movement was taking its first breath to scream for equality and justice for women. Back then men were not made fun of or scorned publically. The man actually wore the pants in the family. Daddy was someone you squealed and ran toward because you were so happy he was home from work.
One day I was washing my face with Ivory soap, and that smell sometimes made me recall a commercial. Maybe you remember it?
This young man and young woman are walking along in the spring time. It just looks like a fresh day. The young man begins talking about how sweet his wife is, hugs her close and continues walking and talking about her. Her freshness, no make up and she washes her face with Ivory soap.
Why would anyone remember that commercial? That was 40 years ago. This young woman would be a grandmother by now. I wonder if she ever said anything in those 40 years, or did she just smile that Mona Lisa smile and say nothing of consequence.
That is so unlike me! I have an opinion about everything and some are good and some need tweaking. I would not like for someone to tell me what to wash my face with unless he is a dermatologist and helping me with a skin problem. On the other hand, I think it quite nice that a husband would care enough to take an interest in how his wife achieves the look that pleases him. Look at how Solomon describe what must have been his first love within marriage. He cared deeply enough to describe how husband and wife should express their love, all designed especially by God for delectable marriage.
Depending upon God rather than another human is how God designed to be our perfect relationship with Him. That's when I got to thinking about how much I depend on God to tell me what to do and when to do it. "Lord, what would you have me write on my blog tonight?" "Lord, what would You have me wear today?" "Lord, please take care of my children, guide them and direct them." Do you think that God cares what we do to please Him? I believe He is intensely interested in everything about us. He shows that by caring for us in ways that we can't fathom the depth and breadth of, and that is the sweetest news. Amen?
Psalm 55:22 Put your cares on the Lord, and he will be your support; he will not let the upright man be moved.
Philemon 4:6 Have no cares; but in everything with prayer and praise put your requests before God.
Rate it:
Gina Burgess has taught Sunday School and Discipleship Training for almost three decades. (Don't tell her that makes her old.) She earned her Master's in Communication in 2013.
She is the author of several books including: When Christians Hurt Christians, The Crowns of the Believers and others available in online bookstores. She authors several columns, using her God-given talent to shine a light in a dark world. You can browse her blog at Refreshment In Refuge.
If you'd like to take a look at some Christian fiction and Christian non-fiction book reviews check out Gina's book reviews at Upon
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Refreshment in Refuge" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.